COLORADO SPRINGS - A multi-alarm blaze burning in the foothills West of Colorado Springs has leveled a home in the exclusive Stratton Forest neighborhood.  The home is thought to be on the 2800 block of Stratton forest heights.

The home was under construction in an upscale gated community near Gold camp Rd.  Indications are, the home is a total loss.

Approximately 25 residents evacuated from the neighborhood were allowed to return home around 9:45 p.m. Friday. 

The fire broke out around 6:30pm Friday night, and multiple agencies were called in to fight the flames.  As of about 8:00pm Friday, crews had the larger flames under control, and were turning their attention to hot-spots and embers.

At the time of the start of the fire, flames could be seen miles away.  Eyewitnesses from as far away as North Academy Blvd called NEWSCHANNEL 13 to report sightings.

24 homes were evacuated in the minutes following the first alarm.  Embers were travelling a mile or more from the main site, raising fears that the fire could spread to adjacent homes and brush. 

Fire commanders are still urging the public to stay away from the area.  At this point, the large number of onlookers is still causing some difficulties for fire and police crews.

We continue to follow this breaking news story as it happens.  Keep it right here for updates as more info becomes available.  Also, keep watching NEWSCHANNEL 13 for live updates from the crews on scene, and for full coverage on our 10pm newscast.